Description
CityLab Academy is a FREE two-semester, college-level program in biotechnology and biomedical science at Boston University. The program serves as a transition year for students wishing to pursue a bachelor’s degree in science while providing the foundation and hands-on experience necessary to join the research workforce.
After successful completion of four courses and a two-week internship, students receive a Certificate in Biomedical Laboratory Science and twelve undergraduate college credits from Metropolitan College. Students are provided with a full scholarship for the twelve credits and also receive a scientific calculator, and textbooks.
CityLab Academy students take academic and laboratory courses with other undergraduate BU students in the Biomed Program. Academy students receive tutoring, learn study skills, and are mentored by a graduate student studying in the medical sciences.
What Do We Do?
CityLab Academy prepares students for laboratory jobs in a biotechnology company, medical center, or hospital. Students learn fundamental lab skills in both semesters, and, during the spring semester, students complete a two-week, full-time internship in a research or hospital lab on the BU Medical Campus. The Academy staff help graduates find an entry-level job or internship in the thriving biotechnology industry in Massachusetts.
Opening Doors
Since many biomedical companies and medical centers offer tuition assistance, students are encouraged to continue their college education in the Biomed program at BU or at another institution of higher learning. The success of CityLab Academy is measured by the success of the students in acquiring a job and furthering their education. We aim to maximize your potential.
Committed to Diversity
The Academy is specifically designed for economically and academically disadvantaged individuals who might otherwise be excluded from the opportunities afforded by the growing biotechnology industry. CityLab Academy is very diverse: of the 46 students who attended the program from 2004 to 2006, 17 (37%) were Black or African-American; 13 (28%) were Latino/a, 5 (11%) were Asian and 11 (24%) were Caucasian.
Program Components
Classes are held Monday through Thursday in the evenings (5:30 – 8:30 PM) from September to May. On three of the evenings, students are in courses:
FALL
Medical Terminology – 2 credits
Introduction to Biomedical Laboratory Sciences – 4 credits
SPRING
Biotechnology – 2 credits
Cell Culture Techniques – 4 credits
On the fourth evening, students are in Seminar during which they learn study skills and job preparation skills such as resume writing, interviewing skills, and job search strategies. Seminar also includes guest speakers and tours of the medical center.
During the spring semester, students participate in a two-week (80 hours) laboratory internship at a laboratory either at BUMC or another institution. Students are exposed to a “real” lab environment and broaden their understanding of laboratory science, using the skills they have learned in their courses. At the conclusion of the spring semester, students present their internship experience at a poster session. This internship experience helps build the student resume and assists in the job search.
The Job Search
Examples of companies and other institutions that have hired CityLab Academy graduates include:
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Genzyme
- BiogenIdec
- Novartis
- Boston University Medical Center
- Quest Diagnostics
- Shire Pharmaceuticals
- Massachusetts Biologic Laboratories
- Children’s Hospital
CityLab Academy also works closely with staffing agencies that assist in the job search. These include LabPros, Kelly Scientific, Aerotek, K-Force, and Randstad.
The next CityLab Academy class will begin in September 2012.
Please visit us again in early 2012 for Open House and Test dates.
